When the Storm Clears: Michelle on Burnout, Sobriety & Coming Home to Yourself

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Shannon is joined by lived-experience guest Michelle Stalimeros, who shares her journey through burnout, midlife upheaval, and personal transformation. Michelle reflects on the early patterns that shaped her drive, years of striving in high-pressure corporate roles, and the subtle signs of burnout she missed along the way. She speaks openly about the coping strategies that kept her going—like binge drinking and over-functioning—and the moment everything finally caught up with her.Together, Shannon and Michelle explore:The quiet “whispers” of burnout we often overlookHow perimenopause can intensify exhaustion and emotional overwhelmWhy so many midlife women lose themselves without realisingThe turning points that led Michelle toward recoveryStopping alcohol, facing long-buried emotions, and finding clarityThe identity void burnout creates—and the surprising gifts on the other sideHow Michelle now supports others through Nostos Nest, helping people and workplaces become more psychologically safe and human-centredThis episode is an anchor for anyone feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or unsure how they reached burnout. Michelle’s story offers both compassion and hope—a reminder that recovery is possible, and often becomes a profound homecoming to yourself.Guest: Michelle Stalimeros is in her mid-50s and describes herself as “on the other side of burnout.” She has navigated major life changes including sobriety, menopause, redundancy, and redefining success. Before creating Nostos Nest, Michelle spent 14+ years at Salesforce in leadership and operational roles and became a passionate mental-health advocate—co-founding a global mental-health group and becoming a licensed Mental Health First Aid instructor. She is a two-time global recognition award recipient for her impact. Nostos Nest is her next chapter: a space where she blends strategy, lived experience, and humanity to help others create meaningful change.Website: https://nostosnest.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-stalimeros-3972794/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostosnest/Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales• 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapySubscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.DisclaimerEngaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.